Air Canada today confirmed that it has begun
installation of enhanced security devices to reinforce cockpit doors of its
aircraft. The airline began retrofitting cockpit doors Friday October 19 with
specially designed reinforcement bars. Thirty-five aircraft have already been
equipped with reinforced doors and are now in service. Air Canada expects to
complete the retrofit process of its entire fleet of more than 200 aircraft
within 30 days.
“The travelling public clearly wants to be assured of the highest
security measures both on board and on the ground,” said Captain Rob Giguere,
Executive Vice President, Operations. “That is why Air Canada is taking the
lead as the first Canadian air carrier to proceed with the installation of
cockpit door reinforcements while a decision from the federal government on
funding of onboard security measures remains outstanding. In addition, we have
requested that the government implement a Canadian Sky Marshal program beyond
the minimum requirement for resumption of flights to Reagan National Airport.”
The U.S. government has already committed to funding onboard security
enhancements including USD$500 million in support of the airline industry for
increased cockpit security.

Added Captain Giguere, “We fully support the current federal government
review underway regarding security at Canada`s airports and look forward to a
positive and timely outcome.”
  Air Canada has expressed its strong belief to Minister Collenette that it
is in the interest of the traveling public, as well as Canada`s airlines, that
security screening at airports be conducted by a federal agency in full
coordination with the Government`s policing, national defense and intelligence
resources.

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